Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis struck a conciliatory note on Monday in a long battle over a cash-for-reforms deal, calling a meeting with his German counterpart Wolfgang Schaeuble in Berlin helpful.

The cash-strapped NDMC has now resorted to austerity measure, with its standing committee on Wednesday announcing to cut expenditure on flower decoration in the rooms of officials and elected representatives.

Years after illuminating several churches, temples and a mosque in the state, Goa government on Monday decided not to foot their electricity bill anymore as an austerity measure, drawing flak from the opposition.

Violent clashes between anti-capitalist activists and German police marred the inauguration of the European Central Bank`s new headquarters Wednesday, with police cars set ablaze, rocks thrown and windows smashed.

Greece`s radical new government is to hold its first talks with a foreign dignitary on Thursday, hosting the head of the European parliament a day after announcing moves to roll back austerity measures.

The leader of Spain's anti-austerity party on Sunday hailed a clear election victory by its Greek radical left-wing ally Syriza, saying it would free Greece from austerity politics which he said were dictated by Germany.